NIC's Outdoor Pursuits offering Utah desert backpacking trip

As the weather in northern Idaho turns wet and cold, North Idaho College’s Outdoor Pursuits program is inviting the public to enjoy the warm days and clear nights of southern Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument during a desert backpacking trip Nov. 19-25.

Participants will travel 800 miles by van to Escalante, Utah, spending the first night in The Petrified Forest State Park before heading into the backcountry.

Trip participants will explore sand dunes, desert wildlife, natural arches and bridges, breathtaking waterfalls, rock canyons and a Thanksgiving dinner like none other in the backcountry.

Backpacking experience is required. The trip is open to adults with a moderate fitness level since participants will be expected to carry all of the supplies needed to travel safely through the desert environment for four days.

Cost is $125, which covers transportation and campsite fees. Personal equipment and food is the responsibility of participants.

Equipment lists and itineraries will be distributed at the mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16 in the Outdoor Pursuits Office, located in the lower level of NIC’s Edminster Student Union Building.